"The Prince" is a political treatise written by Niccolò Machiavelli in 1513. It offers advice to rulers on how to maintain power and navigate the complexities of political life. The work emphasizes the importance of pragmatism over morality, suggesting that the ends often justify the means. Machiavelli's ideas have sparked debate for centuries, leading to the term "Machiavellian," which describes cunning or deceitful behavior in politics. The book is considered a foundational text in political science and has influenced many leaders and thinkers throughout history, including Thomas Hobbes and Max Weber.